Obituary of Manuel Gonzales Jr

Manuel Gonzales, Jr, 75, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away on  January 1, 2024, peacefully at his home with his loving family. He was born on August 31, 1948, in Woodland, California to Manuel Gonzales and Mary Gonzales (Pisano).

Manuel graduated from Greeley Central High School and received an Associate Degree in Automotive Mechanics and Mid-Management from Aims Community College. In 1967, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War in 1968. Manuel was honored with the following: Combat Infantry Man’s Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign with device 1960, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Sharpshooter (M14) and 2 Purple Hearts. He was Honorably Discharged in November of 1968.

On December 14, 1968, he married the love of his life Dolores Gonzales (Lupe Gomez), and they settled in Greeley, Colorado. Manuel and Dolores Gonzales celebrated 55 years of marriage in December of 2023.

Manuel cherished his wife Dolores, three children, and numerous grandchildren. Manuel was a loving family man who demonstrated love to everyone that crossed his path. He co-owned a movie rental business and would buy and sell classic cars. He loved Classic Cars, especially his Red and White 1955 Chevy Belair. He also enjoyed playing Texas Hold-em, building model cars, and Legos.

Manuel had a passion for the game of pool that started at the early age of 7 years old. He is well-known and respected in the pool community, both locally and internationally. His passion transformed into a lifelong commitment that gave him the opportunity to become a certified referee and instructor. He taught aspiring pool players the game and won multiple pool tournaments in the Colorado area. In 1998, Manuel was formally inducted into the VNEA (Valley National Eightball Association) Hall of Fame.

Manuel is survived by his wife Dolores Gonzales, daughter Denise (Jesse) Dominguez Casas, daughter Renee (Ricky) Rodriguez, son Manuel III (Cassandra) Gonzales, 18 grandchildren, 40 great-Grandchildren and 1 great-great Grandchild; his siblings; Mary Helen (Larry T.) Gomez, Pauline (Brownie) Benavidez, Kathy (Leroy) Ashland, Irene Santos and Jose III (Michelle) Gonzalez and many nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents Manuel and Mary Gonzales (Pisano), he is preceded in death by his brothers Leo Gonzales, Robert Gonzales, and sister Theresa Medina, and Great Granddaughter Jahseha Ann Audrenai Jackson.